Nigeria Flooding
The interview with Hussaini Abdu, Country Director for CARE Nigeria, highlights critical issues related to the devastating floods in Nigeria. He explains that due to inadequate government preparation, many people have been forced to rely on contaminated floodwaters for basic needs like washing and drinking, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases like cholera and malaria. While the government has taken steps to prevent future occurrences, there is an urgent need for immediate support for affected populations. Additionally, the floods have displaced over a million people, disrupted education, and destroyed livelihoods, further threatening food security in the country.
Negative Values Played Prominent Role!
Dr. Hussaini sheds light on the 2023 election process, highlighting the effectiveness of the Beavers technology, which worked in 98% of polling units. He underscores that the real issue lies in the values driving our electoral culture, rather than just the structures and processes. Dr. Hussaini argues that Nigeria’s elections reflect the society’s character, pointing to the extreme measures some politicians take as a sign of deeper societal issues. He calls for a focus on the values that underpin our political and electoral systems.
Social Impact Consulting
Nigeria faces one of its most prolonged humanitarian crises, with about 7 million people displaced due to ongoing violent conflicts in the Northeast. The crisis has lasted over 11 years, impacting communities in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states. While 30% of the displaced live in IDP camps or as refugees, 70% stay with host communities, stretching limited resources like water, healthcare, and education. Humanitarian organizations continue to work tirelessly to address food insecurity, protection, and gender-based violence in these affected areas. The scale of this crisis calls for urgent and sustained support.
With Dr Hussaini Abdu, Country Director for CARE International
Dr. Hussaini Abdu highlights key challenges and potential improvements in Nigeria’s electoral process, particularly concerning electoral technology, result transmission, and vote buying. He underscores the importance of electronic result transmission to prevent tampering but stresses Nigeria’s technological limitations, such as internet connectivity issues and risks of sabotage. He questions the practicality of enforcing mandatory electronic transmission given infrastructure gaps, advocating for flexible policies that consider these realities. Dr. Abdu also notes that while vote-buying remains a persistent issue driven by socio-economic conditions, punitive measures alone are insufficient. Instead, he advocates for systemic changes to the political economy that fuels such practices. He argues that the integrity of elections relies on foundational democratic values, cautioning against symbolic or cosmetic reforms that overlook underlying structural flaws. Finally, Dr. Abdu discusses perceptions of election costs, linking Nigeria’s high electoral budget to essential safeguards aimed at securing public trust in a historically fragile system.
With CGTN Africa
Dr. Hussaini Abdu, Country Director for ActionAid Nigeria, emphasizes the grave impact of Boko Haram’s abduction and violence on education in northeastern Nigeria, especially for girls. He highlights that this region already suffers from extreme poverty, high illiteracy, and low school enrollment—under 30%, with girls particularly affected. Abdu notes that Boko Haram’s attacks, including past incidents of violence in schools, have instilled deep fear among students and parents, disrupting the educational calendar and discouraging school attendance. He critiques the government’s response to Boko Haram, pointing to inadequate security measures and a lack of preparation despite years of insurgency. Abdu calls for broader civic engagement beyond military intervention, advocating for community involvement and sustained protests to pressure the government toward more effective security and educational protections.
Our Politicians Cannot Remain The Same, Political Culture Must Change – Channels TV
Dr Hussaini reflects on Nigeria’s political and electoral development since the return to democracy in 1999, acknowledging challenges yet progress made, particularly in the 2019 elections. While improvements have been seen, persistent issues stem from a political culture inclined to undermine electoral processes, which is particularly evident in states like Kogi, where disruptive practices and manipulation have marred elections. The speaker argues that despite reforms enhancing transparency and electoral safeguards, politicians often adapt, finding new ways to compromise the system. The solution, they suggest, is not only refining electoral processes but also transforming political culture and actively engaging citizens to foster a system truly supportive of democratic ideals and integrity.